Item Damaged in Transit?

[mysavvyseconds]

Hello,

I have a buyer claiming an oversized freighted item was damaged in transit. A team professionally packed the item, and a custom box was created. In addition, I took photos of the packing job to prove everything was done correctly. The buyer waits over a week to send a message about this after delivery. I have not received any photos of the damage, which seems odd. What are the next steps I should take as a seller? Is UPS liable? If they file a claim, who pays? I cannot be liable for this? Thanks! 

[kensgiftshop]

If the buyer files an INAD, you'll have a few options.

Refund the buyer and let them keep them item.

Accept the return, pay return shipping and give a full refund when returned.

If you want to file an insurance claim

Ask the buyer for a few pictures of the item and package, then refund the buyer.
Have the buyer hang on to the item and package so it can be inspected.
You file a claim with the carrier.

[mtgraves7984]

What are the next steps I should take as a seller?

@mysavvyseconds 

There is nothing to do now, but be prepared for a Return request if your buyer opens one. If so, it's up to you to decide whether to refund (maybe a partial?) without requiring the return of the globe or to issue a return shipping label, await the globe's return to you and refund in full. Good luck with your decision.

[4pawsup*]

Well as the seller you are liable and for good reason your the seller. Your required to insure your buyer gets what they paid for as described. Packers do not matter it arrived damaged. Your buyer will probably file a NAD claim and you will be required to send a paid shipping label so the buyer can return it. You can file a claim with your shipper depending on who you used. Hope things work out for you.

[ebooksdiva]

Taking photos means nothing because they can be photo-shopped and altered, besides eBay never looks at them. 
You have no idea what happened during transportation of the item. Sellers are responsible to get the item to the buyer in the condition stated in the listing. 
If your  buyer opens a return for damaged, not as described you'll have no choice but to accept the return, pay return shipping, then refund in full when you receive the item back. 
Do not allow or request eBay to step in, eBay 99.9% of the time will side with the buyer, force you to refund and let the buyer keep the item. 

[simba6]

While good packing and boxing can go a long way in preventing shipping damage, it still can happen.  The seller has to make good on any damage case.  The buyer does not have to wait for an insurance claim to be filed.  Your photos and packing method may help with the insurance claim you have to file. Shippers will often say it was due to poor packing. 

You have to contact UPS.  Did you insure if for full value?  All UPS shipments include some insurance but, full value is extra.

The buyer is not required to send you any photos. Photos are needed for the eBay case.

[asset_liquidators]

If you are referring to a UPS store as the team that professionally packed it then I wouldn't hold out much hope that it wasn't damaged. Most of those people are kids who work at those places for a short time and move on. They have no real experience at packing.